Fabric Care Compositions

ABSTRACT

An ironing aid fabric treatment composition comprising: a) a nanoparticle dispersion comprising particles having an average particle size in the range 5 to 500 nm, b) a lubricant phase comprising a lubricant selected from silicone oil, sucrose polyester oil and mixtures thereof, and c) water wherein the weight ratio of a):b) is in the range 4:1 to 1:4, with the proviso that when the colloidal nanoparticle dispersion comprises a silicone resin the composition is not delivered through an iron.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to fabric care compositions. Morespecifically, the invention relates to fabric care compositions forironing which reduce the wrinkling of fabrics in particular the dry orin-wear wrinkling giving fabrics an all-day-ironed look.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Fabric care compositions which reduce the wrinkling of fabrics beingworn are known.

Mechanical wrinkle reduction techniques, such as heat and pressure, forexample in ironing, are effective ways of flattening garments. Howeverthe effect is not permanent and wrinkles reappear due to a range ofshear, torsion and compressive deformation forces applied in wear. Thebody's heat and humidity work on the fabric to relax it and hence toenhance the wrinkling of these deformational forces.

The prior art anti-wrinkle teaching can be rationalised into threeapproaches;

-   (a) using lubricants to improve recovery from crease,-   (b) using cross-linkers and film formers to stiffen the fibres to    resist creases in the first place, and-   (c) combining (a) and (b).

The lubricants used in the prior art include silicones eg PDMS,aminosilicones, modified silicones, silicone copolymers, softeners (e.g.quaternary ammonium compounds) and other lubricants such as clays,waxes, polyolefins, synthetic and natural oils.

Film formers and cross-linkers used in the prior art include:

-   -   Natural Polymers—enzymes, proteins, cyclodextrins,        polysaccharides e.g. starch, chitin, chitosan, cellulose,        ∃-1,4-polysaccharides, SCMC, guar gum, HEC etc.,    -   Synthetic Polymers—polyamides, polyurethanes, polyamines,        polyolefins, polyols, PEGs, polystyrene, PVA, PVC, vinyl        polymers, acrylics,    -   Film forming polymers—copolymers, adhesives,    -   Reactive polymers—epichlorohydrin containing, isocyanate        containing, epoxy containing curables,    -   Elastomeric polymers—thermoplastic silicone elastomers,    -   Small Molecules—salts, amino acids, sugars, saccharides,        oligosaccharides, alcohols, acids, and    -   Crosslinkers—methylol urea based, carboxylic acid, formaldehyde,        ammonia, triazine, epoxide.

WO 2004/018762A1 (Philips) discloses on wrinkle benefit using fusibleelastomer film formers with cross-linked particles to improve recoveryfrom wrinkle in spray or iron cartridge applications.

WO 2004/048677 (Philips) discloses film formers for recovery in spray oriron cartridge applications including fusible elastomers+polycation saltfor x-linking of elastomer.

WO 2001/25381-5 (Ciba) disclose compositions with (A) a fabric softener,(B) an additive and (C) selected polyorganosilicones to endow fabrics indomestic applications with anti-pilling, elasticity, hydrophilicity,drape, and wrinkle recovery respectively. These properties are endowedby the organosilicone. Amongst the additives polysilicic acid ismentioned.

WO 2002/088293 and US-A1-2002/019236 (Unilever) both disclose fabriccare compositions comprising coated particles comprising a solid corewith a D_(3,2) average particle size of between 10 to 700 nm in diameterand a coating of silicone polymer covalently bonded to the solid core.Silica is mentioned in a list of suitable solid core materials.

EP 1201817(A1) (Procter,& Gamble) discloses aminosilicones withsterically hindered functional groups for in-wear wrinkle resistance,which are preferably delivered from a spray during domestic ironingprocess.

EP 1096060(A1)(Procter & Gamble) discloses water-soluble siliconelubricants in combination with various polymeric compounds (filmformers) which are said to provide fabrics with a wrinkle recovery angleof at least +15 units over and above water.

EP 953675(A2,A3) (Dow Corning) a textile fabric coated with anelastomeric silicone-based compound with a reinforcing filler preferablya silica+a second laminar filler preferably talc and mica. The coatedfabrics amongst other benefit have less friction and are used for carseat belts. No teaching exists on the wrinkle benefit of the mixedsilicone+particulate fillers.

GB 842027 (Monsanto Chemicals) discloses textile friction enhancingcompositions based on silica nanoparticles dispersed inside an oilemulsion droplets. The oil can be any of the known textile oilsincluding mineral or vegetable oils. The oil to silica ratio exceeds 6and deposition levels of 3-7% oil and 0.1-0.5% of silica per weight offabric are preferred.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,635,056 (Monsanto) discloses treating textiles andfabrics with an aquasol of silica plus a polyhydic alcohol such asglycerol. The blends are termed alco-aquasols and provide exceptionalslip resistance to textiles and surprisingly good handle and fabric feelattributed to the presence of glycerol. The silica to glycerol ratioused in the example is 1.4. It is stated that polyhydric alcohol levelshould not exceed twice that of silica.

WO-2001/083875 (Ajinomoto Co.) discloses the application of silica and asoftener in addition to other care ingredients to nylon tights so as toprovide skin care benefits when the tights are worn.

EP 1024119 (A2,A3) (Relats) discloses textile articles made ofSiO₂-containing fibres and procedure for improving their thermalstability.

JP 04255767 (Nichihan Kenkyusho K.K.) discloses coating compositions fortextiles comprising a synthetic emulsion (acrylic), colloidal ormicroparticle metal oxide silica gel and a zeolite to provide textilecoatings with good antibacterial, deodorising, drying and heat retentionproperties.

NL 8900473 (Hesco Fashion Netherlands) discloses the manufacture ofviscose rayon-polyester coated with a mixture of a nonionic fatty acidcondensates fabric softener and a blocking agent (blocking free movementof warp and weft—friction enhancer) acidic silica dispersion. The ratioof the softener to silica is 1:1 and the level applied 1% of silica and1% of softener.

EP 0474207, EP 1178150, U.S. Pat. No. 5,102,930, U.S. Pat. No. 3,077,460and U.S. Pat. No. 2,881,146 disclose fabric treatment compositionscomprising silica, an organopolysiloxane and a catalyst/curing agent tocause a polymer film to form on the fabrics.

EP 1371718 discloses polymeric nanoparticles and their use as fabriccare additives.

There has been no product available on the market that meets consumersneed for an effective in-wear wrinkle or all-day-ironed look benefit.

Therefore, there is a need for an effective and efficient means foreliminating or reducing wrinkling in fabrics and clothing in-wear afterthey have been ironed whilst the fabrics maintains a good handle,softness and comfort in wear.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to address one or more of theabove-mentioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided anironing aid fabric treatment composition comprising:

-   -   a) a nanoparticle dispersion comprising particles having an        average particle size in the range 5 to 500 nm,    -   b) a lubricant phase comprising a lubricant selected from        silicone oil, sucrose polyester oil and mixtures thereof, and    -   c) water        wherein the weight ratio of a):b) is in the range 4:1 to 1:4.        with the proviso that when the colloidal nanoparticle dispersion        comprises a silicone resin the composition is not delivered        through an iron.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provideda method of treating a fabric which comprises applying to the fabric aniron aid fabric treatment composition comprising:

-   -   a) a colloidal nanoparticle dispersion comprising particles        having an average particle size in the range 1 to 500 nm,    -   b) a lubricant phase,    -   c) water        wherein the ratio of a):b) is in the range 4:1 to 1:4, and        simultaneously with said application or thereafter, ironing said        fabric under elevated temperature and pressure, with the proviso        that when the colloidal nanoparticle dispersion comprises a        silicone resin the composition is not delivered through the        iron.

Surprisingly, it has been found that certain nano-particulate frictionenhancers when combined with certain lubricants at certain particle tolubricant ratios work in synergy to noticeably reduce the tendency offabrics to wrinkle in wear. The balance of the nanoparticles andlubricant phase provides the desired properties by virtue of theirphysical properties. The compositions of the invention are free fromcatalysts and curing agents and do not react to form a film whendeposited on the fabric. Preferred nanoparticle phases include colloidalsilica and silicone resins, preferred lubricants are silicone oils andsucrose polyester oils. Preferred ratios of particle phase to lubricantphase range from 3:1 to 1:3 more preferably 2:1 to 1:2.

The in-wear wrinkle benefit from a combination of particulatephase+lubricant phase has been found for rinse cycle fabric careproducts and ironing spray application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The compositions of the present invention are typically for use in aspray form with a conventional steam iron. The compositions aretypically aqueous.

Nanoparticles

The compositions of the present invention comprise a nanoparticledispersion. The particles may be inorganic or organic or a mixture ofone or more types of nanoparticles.

Suitable inorganic nano-particles include silicas, SiO₂, titania, TiO₂,alumina, Al₂O₃, zinc oxide, ZnO, and the mixed oxides class such as ITO(indium-tin oxide, In₂O₃—SnO₂.

The widely commercial and preferred inorganic nanoparticle are amorphoussilicas available in the sol or colloidal form as defined on page 330 ofThe Chemistry of Silica, by R K Iler, Wiley-Interscience, New York,1979.

Silica nanoparticles could also be of non-siliceous core as long as thesurface of the nanoparticle is coated with silica as described on page330 of Iler's book. The core can be of organic polymeric nature.

Suitable organic particles include those derived from silicon (such assilicone resins). The organic particles are preferably not of the typewhich comprise a solid core coated with a polymer, such as a siliconepolymer. The organic particles are preferably non-coated and comprisesolid particles of polymer or resin. In the context of the presentinvention, “nanoparticle” denotes particles have an average particlesize ranging from 5 to 500 nm. Larger particle size silica also aidcrease resistance but apparently they are not as effective as thosebetween 15-100 nm. Preferably all of the particles have a particle sizebelow 500 nm, more preferably below 100 nm.

It has been found that a particle size of 500 nm or less providesexcellent crease resistance on poplin fibres and a particle size of 300nm or less provides excellent crease resistance on cotton fibres.

Dispersions having an average particle size in the range 10 to 50 nm areparticularly useful. The amount to deposit between 0.25 to 2% andpreferably between 0.25 to 0.5 wt % owf (0.0025 to 0.005 g/g of fabric).

Inorganic nanoparticle depending on their structure can provideadditional benefits—aid odour absorption during the wear, increaselonger lasting freshness, reduced glare and shine on ironing items,resistance to staining, and ease of stain removal in following washescan be achieved.

Preferred nanoparticles for use in the invention are colloidal silica.The term ‘colloidal silica’ here refers to dispersions or sols ofdiscrete particles of amorphous silica, which are preferably stable.Reacted silica is the hydrophobic fumed silica as used in anti-foamingemulsions mentioned above.

Commercial colloidal silica is available containing up to 50% silicawith particle diameter between 10-21 nm under the trade name Ludox (exGrace Davison) and Snowtex (ex Nissan). Particular examples includeLudox Cl (a cationic silica) and Ludox BS50 (an anionic silica), bothhaving a particle size of 20 nm. The quoted size represents the lineardiameter of the particle.

It is well known in the art that the surface of silica particles can beeasily modified to endow them with additional benefits. For examplemodification with aluminates allows surface charge modification(positive charge). Silicas can be modifies organically (organosols asdescribed on page 412 of the above reference). The preferred silicashave suitable modification for surface charge and/or other textilefunctional benefits including antimicrobial, dermal and transdermal,controlled release of fragrance and repellent agents, improved abrasionstability, water and oil, dirt repellency, and UV protection asdescribed in Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology 27, 43-52, 2003by B Mahltig and H Bottcher; Modified Silica Sol coatings forWater-Repellent Textiles.

Lubricant Phase

The lubricant phase of interest include silicone oils and oily sugarderivatives.

The silicone lubricants of interest include the classical three classesof non-reactive silicone polymers (PDMS), reactive silicone polymers(silanol terminated PDMS) and modified silicone polymers (amino/amidefunctional siloxanes, non-ionic modified siloxanes or polyether modifiedsiloxanes). Preferred silicones are PDMS types in emulsion ormicroemulsion format, which are commercially available, for example, DowCorning 1716 (cationic) microemulsion, etc. Also DC amino silicones2-8669 nonionic microemulsion, 2-8203 nonionic microemulsion, 28197nonionic macroemulsion.

Another class of preferred silicones are those ex Wacker includingWetsoft CTA (amino glycol PDMS), Finish CT 34E (amino PDMS emulsion),Finish CT 208E (amino OH PDMS emulsion), Finish CT 96 E (amino PDMSemulsion), and their Fluid L range, Fluid L 652 for example (aminoPDMS).

Although silicone oils are preferred to improve the fabric handle andsoftness non-silicone lubricants such as sucrose polyester oils canprovide the lubrication needed for fabric recovery from wrinkle.WO2002/019236A1 (Unilever) provides a fuller list of silicone polymersof interest and EP1205538 (Unilever) the class of drying oils.

A preferred class of commercial materials in which the particulate phaseand a lubricant phase are combined include but not limited to DowCorning's silicone+reacted silica blends marketed as anti-foaming agentsincluding DOW CORNING® Antifoam B, DOW CORNING® 544, DOW CORNING®Q2-3302 ANTIFOAM COMPOUND, DOW CORNING® 1581 WATER REPELLENT, DOWCORNING® 2-1912 FLUID.

Another preferred class of materials in which the particulate phase andthe lubricant phase are combined include but not limited to Dow CorningMQ silicone resin range which contains a PDMS silicone oil and asilicone resin nano-particulate phase.

It is particularly preferred that the nanoparticle is silica or siliconeresins, more preferably colloidal silica or reacted fume silica.

Suitable sucrose polyester oils are the reaction products of fatty acidmethyl ester (FAME) of natural oils and sucrose. Suitable oils and theirpreparation are described in EP323670B1, EP383404B1, WO2001/46210,WO98/16538 and WO01/46359A1.

Preferred oils are derived from natural oils predominantly comprisingC₁₆ and C₁₈ hydrocarbon chains e.g. palm kernel oil.

Water

The composition is aqueous. Demineralised water is most preferred.

Demineralised water means water where a large proportion, if notsubstantially all, of the dissolved salts have been removed. Water wherethe hardness ions (Ca (II) and Mg (II)) have simply been replaced byother ions (such as Na (I)) is not as preferred. The term demineralisedwater, also includes distilled water.

If the composition is an ironing aid spray composition, then the waterpresent should have a French Hardness of 20 or below, preferably 12 orbelow, more preferably 5 or below. Water with a French Hardness of 12 to20 is usually termed Medium water, whilst that with a French Hardness of5 to 12, soft water and that with a French Hardness of less than 5, verysoft water).

Perfume

Perfume ingredients (or fragrance ingredients) are well known to thoseskilled in the art, and are described in Perfume and Flavor Chemicals,Steffan Arctander (ISDN 75-91398). The solubility of individual perfumeingredients in water can be represented by the calculated partitioncoefficient (ClogP) of the ingredient between distilled water andoctanol at 20° C. The lower the value of ClogP, the more water solublethe ingredient. The, ClogP values are most conveniently calculated bythe 11CLOGP11 program, available from Daylight CIS.

Preservative

Where the composition is an ironing aid spray composition, it mayfurther comprise between 0.1 ppm and 3 wt % of a preferablywater-soluble preservative. The preservative preferably should notrelease or decompose to chemicals which are potentially harmful to theironer at the temperatures encountered in a steam iron, i.e. preferablyat 150, 200 or even 250° C. A guide to safe limits of numerous chemicalsis provided by occupational Exposure Limits which are available fromOHSE and are listed in EH40, available from HMSO.

Many known preservatives, e.g. Bronopol “(Myacide), Dowicil™ 75 or 200,Germaben” II Germall™ 1 15, Germal 1™ I I, Glycac i 1™, Glydant™,GlydantT1 plus, Oxaban™ A and Suttocide TI can release or breakdown toharmful or irritating chemicals (e.g. formaldehyde) at the temperaturesencountered in steam irons.

If a preservative, other than those defined as preferable, is to beincluded-in the composition, then it should not be present at an amountof greater than 0.5 wt %.

Preferred preservatives include those selected from aromatic, linear orbranched C1-C20 alcohols and mixtures thereof, and may be present in anamount of between 0.1 ppm and 3wt % or preferably 0.5 and 1 wt %.Preferably, at least one preservative is selected from benzyl alcohol(phenoxy methanol) and phenoxy ethanol and mixtures thereof. Of thesepreservatives, benzyl alcohol is more preferred. If benzyl alcohol isused, preferably a high purity grade is employed, to minimise thepresence of the known impurity, benzaldehyde, which is preferablyessentially absent from the composition according to the invention,i.e., so low that the ironing aid composition can still be safely used.

A particularly preferred preservative comprises at least oneisothiazolone-based compound, e.g., Kathon™ CG ICP II (available fromRohm and Haas), a 3:1 mixture of 5-chloro-2-methyl-3(2H)-isothiazoloneand 2-methyl-3(2H)-isothiazolone with a low salt content.

Buffers

Where the composition is an ironing aid spray composition, it ispreferred that composition is neutral or slightly alkaline, as is mosttap water. Therefore buffers may be included in the composition of thepresent invention in order to adjust the pH of the solution such that itis greater than or equal to 6, preferably 7 to 9 more preferably 7 to 8.Such buffers may be included in amounts of between 0.0001, preferably0.001 to 0.1 or 1 wt %.

Auxiliary Solvent

An auxiliary solvent may be included in the invention in an amount of0.01 to 5 or possibly 20 wt %, more preferably 0.1 to 5 or 10 wt %, mostpreferably 0.2 to 1 or 2 wt %.

Suitable auxiliary solvents include dipropylene glycol, glycerin,propylene glycol, ethanol and isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and mixturesthereof. The most preferred of these is dipropylene glycol. We havefound that dipropylene glycol may be especially useful in ironingapplications as a humidifier to facilitate ironing.

The amount of ethanol and/or isopropyl alcohol (IPA) in the compositionpreferably does not exceed 5% by weight.

The total level of solvent in an ironing aid composition, including thesolvent that can be present in the water-soluble perfume, can thereforebe up to and including about 25 wt %, more preferably 15, 10, 5, or even2 or 3 wt %.

Preparation of an Ironing Aid Composition

The ironing aid spray composition may be provided as a concentrate fordilution by the end consumer.

Preferably, the dilution is such that one part of concentrate is dilutedwith between 0.5 to 100, more preferably, between 1 and 10, mostpreferably between 2 and 5 parts of water (w/w). The exact compositionof the concentrate can be easily calculated given the desired endconcentration in the ironing aid composition and the dilution factor.

For example when the end concentration of perfume in the-composition hasto be between 3.0 and 5.0 wt % than the dilution factor will be limitedto at most 20. It will be obvious to the skilled person that when higherdilution factors are used e.g. 100, the diluted ironing aid compositionwill necessarily comprise lower maximal perfume levels.

The compositions further contain surfactants, superspreaders, softeningagents as known to the skilled person in the art.

Further Optional Ingredients

Other optional nonionic softeners, bactericides, soil-releases agentsmay also be incorporated.

Such compositions may also contain one or more optional ingredientsconventionally included in liquid rinse fabric conditioning compositionssuch as pH buffering agents, perfume carriers, fluorescers, colourants,hydrotropes, antifoaming agents, anti-redeposition agents,poly-electrolytes, enzymes, optical brightening agents, anti-shrinkingagents, anti-wrinkle agents, anti-spotting agents, antioxidants,sunscreens, anti-corrosion agents, drape imparting agents, anti-staticagents, polymeric viscosity modifiers, ironing aids and dyes.

Preparation of Compositions

The composition may be prepared according to any suitable method.

In a first preferred method for spray is to disperse the silica colloidinto water which already contains the minor ingredients like dye andpreservative and surfactants, if present, and add silicone emulsion ormicroemulsion followed by perfume.

Product Form

In its undiluted state at ambient temperature the product preferablycomprises a liquid, preferably an aqueous liquid.

Product Use

The composition can conveniently be delivered from a spray during thedomestic ironing operation. Compositions other than those containingsilicone resin nanoparticles may be delivered via a spray through asteam iron or steam generator iron.

SUMMARY OF DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 a and 1 b represent a standard Wrinkle Recovery TesterInstrument Model 155 commercially available from James H Heal & Co.Ltd.,

FIG. 2 represents images of the existing AATCC 128 Scale,

FIG. 3 represents images of the new U Scale and

FIG. 4 is a plot showing the comparison of the AATCC scale with the newU Scale.

EVALUATION OF IN-WEAR WRINKLING

It has been discovered that the traditional Crease or Wrinkle RecoveryAngle (CRA) approach for characterising anti-wrinkle compositions ofinventions, that is AATCC66-1990 (see EP 1096060 (A1)) is largelyirrelevant to in-wear wrinkle assessment. In in-wear wrinkling thesharpness of the fold and deformation matters and this is not measuredby CRA.

There are many textile industry standard methods (Association ofAmerican Textile Chemists and Colourists—AATCC) described for generatingand measuring wrinkling on fabric.

The AATCC 128 Wrinkle Recovery Test is that most widely used todetermine the wrinkle recovery of garments and is referenced widely inthe external literature. A test fabric is wrinkled under standardconditions of load, time and environmental conditions using a standardWrinkle Recovery Tester model 155 device supplied by James H Heal & CoLtd (FIG. 1). The level of recovery from a wrinkled state is rankedvisually with reference to a standard 3D replica scale, WR1-WR5, whereWR1=no recovery from creasing and WR5=full recovery using a definedillumination set-up. FIG. 2 shows this 3D AATCC 128 wrinkle scale.

However, the existing 3D AATCC 128 scale is not ideal when testingfabrics for in-wear wrinkling for the following reasons.

The existing AATCC 128 3D standards cannot allow a panellist todistinguish fine differences in intensity of wrinkling. For example inin-wear wrinkling the range of wrinkle falls around 2.5 to 3.5 but the128 scale covers the broad brush scale of 1 to 5 missing details in the2.5-3.5 range of interest.

Hence there is a need for a more relevant scale to assess the intensityof wrinkling with good discrimination.

The new scale, called U scale hereafter, emerged from images of wovencotton poplin monitors wrinkled, using the Wrinkle Recovery Tester model155, to severity between 0=not wrinkled (flat) and 10=severely wrinkledas shown in FIG. 3. This scale therefore covers a wider spectrum ofwrinkles in the middle range allowing panellists to discriminate finedetails in a systematic manner.

Compared to AATCC128 scale, which manifests a rather flat insensitiveregion around a score of 3, the new U scale allows discriminationbetween the intensity of wrinkling around this region. FIG. 4 shows thecomparison between the two scales graphically.

Methodology 1. Monitor Preparation

The test solution is prepared with the desired strength or the desired %owf and stabilised overnight on a roller bank.

The monitor is then weighed (W1), soaked in the test solution andcompressed between the rollers of the Werner Mathis AG padder so that itweighs double its original weight.

The monitor is left to dry at controlled temperature and RH (20° C./65%RH) for 24 hours and then re-weighed (W2).

The weight of additive on the monitor is (W2−W1) from which the % owfcan be calculated.

The dry monitor is ironed flat using the Philips Azur 4000 iron on thehottest setting and with highest steam setting and left to condition fora further 24 hours at controlled T and RH (20° C./65% RH).

Six such test monitors per treatment are prepared.

In each test there are control monitors for comparison with thecomposition treated monitors. These control monitors are treated withdemineralised water instead of the compositions and prepared in the sameway

2. Wrinkling

To generate wrinkled state the monitors are loaded onto a WrinkleRecovery Tester model 155 so that the warp direction is vertical. Thefabric is then compressed (wrinkled) using no additional weight for 8minutes.

After wrinkling the monitors are hung up for 24 hours at 20° C./65% RH.

3. Monitor Assessment

A digital photograph image is taken of each monitor using a NokiaDigital Camera under identical lighting conditions. The standardlighting conditions are achieved using a Verivide Crease ImagingCabinet.

The images are then loaded into a panelling programme and each image ispresented to the panellist to score against images of the scale beingused—either AATCC128 or U Scale.

Six trained panellists score all monitors for wrinkle intensity againstthe scale.

In each test six untreated control monitors are also prepared andwrinkled in exactly the same way as the treated monitors as describedabove to enable comparison with the compositions.

The invention will now be illustrated by the following non-limitingexamples. Further modifications will be apparent to the person skilledin the art. Samples of the invention are represented by a number.Comparative samples are represented by a letter. All values arepercentage by weight of the active ingredient unless stated otherwise.

EXAMPLES

Tables 1 and 2 identify the nature of the lubricant and particulatephases used.

TABLE 1 The physical properties of silicone emulsions (lubricants)tested. droplet oil size/ viscosity/ chemistry emulsifier nm mPas sDC2-8663 linear Nonionic 50 3500 (Dow aminosilicone Corning) DC2-8177linear Nonionic 50 12000 (Dow aminosilicone Corning) DC1652 linear pdmsNonionic 700 350 (Dow Corning) HMW2220 linear pdms - Nonionic 500 1.2 M(Dow extremely Corning) high MW polymer DC1716 PDMS micro Cationicunknown unknown (Dow emulsion Corning) CT208E linear Nonionic unknownunknown (Wacker) aminosilicone

TABLE 2 Physical properties of some of the colloidal silica dispersionstested. particle Silica size/ content/ Trade name charge nm wt % Ciba820 (Ciba) (+) 22 11 Ludox CL-P silica (+) 22 30 (Grace) Ludox TM40 (−)22 50 (Grace) Ciba 911 (Ciba) (+) 22 ? Ciba 1143 (Ciba) (−) ? ? LudoxSP532-10519 (+) 50 40 (Grace Davison)

Table 3 shows the effect of lubrication treatment on its own. Usingsilicone oils or most other lubricants provide little or no in-wearwrinkle benefit as the comparison with water controls demonstrates.

TABLE 3 AATCC128 wrinkle score for different % owf of silicone samples.The HIGHER the score the less the monitors are wrinkled. silicone 0.07%0.25% 0.5% water emulsions owf owf owf control DC2-8663 3.91 3.74 3.663.73 DC2-8177 3.28 2.73 2.7 3.11 DC1652 3.47 3.38 3.48 3.49 HMW2220 3.012.9 2.07 3.3 DC1716 2.91 2.6 2.58 3.42 CT208E 3.48 3.29 2.65 4.04

Tables 4 and 5 and 6 show that silica particles on their own (stiffeneror friction enhancer alone) offer improved in-wear wrinkle benefit.However on their own the fabric feel and handle is too harsh.

TABLE 4 U Scale wrinkle score for different % owf of silica sample LudoxW50 after 1 hr. The LOWER the score the less the monitors are wrinkled.0.50% 1.00% 2.00% water Test owf owf owf control Test 1 2.62 2.50 2.583.58 Test 2 — 3.53 — 4.3 Test 2 2.03 — — 2.45

TABLE 5 AATCC128 wrinkle score for different % owf of silica sample C820after 24 hrs. The HIGHER the score the less the monitors are wrinkled.0.20% 0.40% 0.79% 1.57% water owf owf owf owf control 3.21 3.21 3.553.51 2.89

TABLE 6 U Scale wrinkle score for different % owf of silica sample C820after 24 hrs. The LOWER the score the less the monitors are wrinkled.0.20% 0.40% water owf owf control 2.50 — 2.70 3.11 — 3.40 2.06 — 2.52 —2.26 3.30

The particulate phase and lubricant phase combinations of the inventionin Table 7 show synergy in in-wear wrinkle resistance at certain ratios.

TABLE 7 U Scale scores for different owf % of a blend of Ludox W50lubricants at different silica:silicone ratios after 1 hr. The LOWER thescore the less the monitors are wrinkled. water lubricant OWF % 1:1 2:11:2 control DC21310 0.5 2.93 2.13 2.68 2.45 DC21310 1.0 3.48 3.13 3.464.30 SPE 0.5 3.63 2.15 3.07 2.46

Silicone DC21310 PDMS (ex DOW CORNING is a polydimethylsiloxane providedas an anionic macro-emulsion having a viscosity before emulsification of60,000 cSt). SPE is sucrose poly ester based on palm kernel oil.

The monitors were tested by a panel for softness and handle.Silica/silicone and silica/SPE treated monitor at 0.5% level in Table 7showed good softness. Ease of ironing of the silica+silica blend wascomparable to that of Comfort commercial fabric conditioner butcompositions using silica alone showed unacceptable iron glide.

Another class of lubricant-particle blends belong to the MQ siliconeresin class from Dow Corning shown in Table 8. The intensity ofwrinkling is reduced compared to untreated after 1 hr and 24 hrs at thepreferred deposition levels.

TABLE 8 U scale wrinkle scores after 1 hr and 24 hrs for o/w emulsion ofsilicone oil/silicone resin blends using cationic emulsifier. Ratio ofPDMS/silicone resin blend (cationic emulsifier) 40/60 30/70 20/80Untreated 1 hr 24 hr 1 hr 24 hr 1 hr 24 hr 1 hr 24 hr % owf score scorescore score score score score score 0.1 3.71 2.97 3.17 2.61 3.25 2.493.60 2.88 0.25 3.08 2.49 2.78 2.29 2.40 1.93 3.60 2.88

TABLE 9 U scale wrinkle scores after 1 hr and 24 hrs for o/w emulsion ofsilicone oil/silicone resin blends using nonionic emulsifier. Ratio ofPDMS/silicone resin blend (non-ionic emulsifier) 40/60 30/70 20/80Untreated 1 hr 24 hr 1 hr 24 hr 1 hr 24 hr 1 hr 24 hr % owf score scorescore score score score score score 0.1 2.67 1.67 2.15 2.08 2.75 2.383.58 2.89 0.25 1.83 2.14 2.92 2.25 3.58 2.38 4.00 2.89

In Tables 8 and 9 the emulsion internal phase composition is the samefor all samples, only the surfactant used for emulsification isdifferent.

Table 10 shows the percentage D5, PDMS/resin blend and water in theemulsion compositions. The PDMS/resin blend is dissolved in D5 (a lowmolecular weight silicone oil solvent) and then emulsified in water.

TABLE 10 Composition of water and oil phases of the emulsions(surfactants not included). w % in Ingredient composition Water 50 D5 25PDMS/resin blend 25

Siloxane resin consisting of monovalent trisiloxy (M) groups havingformula. R₃SiO_(1/2) and tetravalent siloxy (Q) groups having formulaSiO_(4/2) and the polymer is amino functionalised PDMS with some degreeof OH termination of viscosity 4000 mPa×s.

Table 11 provides the particle size distribution for the resin blendemulsions used in Tables 8 and 9.

TABLE 11 Emulsion droplet size of the Dow Corning PDMS/resin polymerblends. PDMS/MQ Surfactant blend ratio Type size/nm 40/60 Nonionic 13930/70 Nonionic 129 20/80 Nonionic 161 40/60 Cationic 116 30/70 Cationic154 20/80 Cationic 139

The silicon resin blend treated monitors showed better softness andhandle compared to silica at equal add-on levels. Their ease of ironingwas also improved compared to the silica.

1. An ironing aid fabric treatment composition comprising: a) ananoparticle dispersion comprising particles having an average particlesize in the range 5 to 500 nm, b) a lubricant phase comprising alubricant selected from silicone oil, sucrose polyester oil and mixturesthereof, and c) water wherein the weight ratio of a):b) is in the range4:1 to 1:4. with the proviso that when the colloidal nanoparticledispersion comprises a silicone resin the composition is not deliveredthrough an iron.
 2. An ironing aid fabric treatment composition asclaimed in claim 1 in which all the particles of the nanoparticledispersion have a particle size less than 500 nm.
 3. An ironing aidfabric treatment composition as claimed in claim 2 in which all theparticles of the nanoparticle dispersion have a particle size less than100 nm.
 4. An ironing aid fabric treatment composition as claimed inclaim 1 in which the particles of the nanoparticle dispersion have anaverage particle size in the range 15 to 50 nm.
 5. An ironing aid fabrictreatment composition as claimed in claim 1 in which the nanoparticlesare selected from silica, titania, alumina, zinc oxide and siliconeresin.
 6. An ironing aid fabric treatment composition as claimed inclaim 5 in which the nanoparticle dispersion is a cationic, anionic orneutral colloidal dispersion of silica.
 7. An ironing aid fabrictreatment composition as claimed in claim 5 in which the particles ofthe colloidal nanoparticle dispersion comprise silicone resin.
 8. Anironing aid fabric treatment composition as claimed in claim 1 in whichthe silicone oil comprises polydimethyl siloxane.
 9. An ironing aidfabric treatment composition as claimed in claim 1 in which the-weightratio of a):b) is in the range 3:1 to 1:3.
 10. An ironing aid fabrictreatment composition as claimed in claim 9 in which the weight ratio ofa):b) is in the range 2:1 to 1:2.
 11. An ironing aid fabric treatmentcomposition as claimed in claim 1 which comprises: 0.1 to 50 weightpercent of component a), 0.1 to 50 weight percent of component b) up to99.8 weight percent water.
 12. An ironing aid fabric treatmentcomposition as claimed in claim 10 which comprises: 0.5 to 20 weightpercent component a), 0.5 to 20 weight percent component b), 0.1 to 15weight percent surfactant, 0.1 to 5 weight percent perfume, and up to 70percent deionised water.
 13. An ironing aid fabric treatment productcomprising a reservoir containing a composition as claimed in claim 1and a spray dispensing valve.
 14. A cartridge for insertion into a steamiron comprising a reservoir containing a formulation as claimed in claim1, with the proviso that the colloidal nanoparticle dispersion does notcomprise a silicone resin.
 15. A method of treating a fabric whichcomprises applying to the fabric an iron aid fabric treatmentcomposition comprising: a) a colloidal nanoparticle dispersioncomprising particles having an average particle size in the range 1 to500nm, b) a lubricant phase, c) water wherein the ratio of a):b) is inthe range 4:1 to 1:4, and simultaneously with said application orthereafter, ironing said fabric under elevated temperature and pressure,with the proviso that when the colloidal nanoparticle dispersioncomprises a silicone resin the fabric treatment composition is notdelivered through an iron.
 16. A method as claimed in claim 15 in whichthe composition is applied in an amount to deposit from 0.25 to 2percent by weight of the total of the particulate phase and lubricantphase.
 17. A method as claimed in claim 16 in which the composition isapplied in an amount to deposit from 0.5 to 1 percent by weight of thetotal of the particulate phase and lubricant phase.
 18. (canceled)
 19. Amethod as claimed in claim 15 in which the composition is applied from asteam iron, with the proviso the composition does not comprise ananoparticle dispersion comprising silicone resin particles.
 20. Amethod as claimed in claim 15 in which the composition is applied byspraying prior to ironing.
 21. The use of a composition as claimed inclaim 1 to treat fabric to provide anti-wrinkle benefit.